Say “No” to the NSA! Until the 1970s, the NSA had an iron grip on all research into computer-based cryptography. In this episode, we learn a little about how cryptography developed, and how and why the NSA got started. Part 1 of 3.

Sources for this episode

• Truman’s original memo to start the NSA, now available as a declassified document on the NSA website.
• American Cryptology During the Cold War 1945-1989. This was the NSA’s official handbook of crypto history. Originally classified as TOP SECRET, it has now been declassified and is available at the NSA website.

Transcript